We had a great time with Hot Air Expeditions. The crew was fantastic. We saw other hot air balloon companies that did not seem to have as good a handle on safety. They served a delicious quiche breakfast with Champagne when we landed. I would definitely recommend this company. read more

We really expected a better experience. First, we thought we would be more out in the raw desert. We basically launched from an empty lot in between two neighborhoods and landed near a highway. We watched some other balloon companies go up and down which looked fun and interesting. We asked our captain and he said we would come down at some point and we did... when we landed. The crew guys were nice and fun, but our captain was kind of like a salty sea captain. He yelled a lot at the crew on takeoff and more on landing. At the end we had a champaign toast, but the crew parked trucks directly between us and the sunset. The toast was ok, but it seemed like the glasses they handed out were souvenirs. It was kind of a pleasant surprise to get some neat little glasses. But no, we were told to hand them in, or pay $10. I don't really need a logo champaign glass, but it really made the moment seem cheesy at that point. I'm not trying to be nit picky, I'm trying to illustrate what happened with the experience that made it less than good. Probably depends on what day you go, looks like others had good experiences. But for me, I would not recommend this company. read more

Beautiful ride, perfect weather, delicious catered outside champagne brunch upon landing. We could not have asked for more! The crew and the pilot, Bill, were knowledgeable, efficient and entertaining. Thanks for a great experience! read more

It was my first time on a Hot Air Balloon but it was not scary at all! Al and Walter were both awesome! Very knowledgeable and very humorous. I went up with a friend but I wouldn't mind going back again. Overall it was a safe, eye opening experience. read more

This was a fantastic voyage. Craig Kennedy was an excellent pilot and made this journey one to remember. His hospitality and expertise was sublime. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Awesome experience, great pilot (Craig)! Really knowledgeable crew and more beautiful views of Arizona than you can get on any hike. Highly recommend. read more

Highly recommended. A terrific, informative pilot. The champagne finish was a fabulous ending!

Going on a hot air balloon ride was on my "bucket list". Yesterday, that wish was fulfilled. My husband and I chose Hot Air Expectations, and we're certainly glad we did. Our Captain Craig and Crew Chief Nick worked extremely hard at making sure our hot air balloon ride experience met our expectations. Not only did they meet our expectations, they by far exceeded them! Great experience from booking through flight completion champagne brunch! Thank you Craig, Nick and Hot Air Expectations!!! read more

AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!!! My husband, his family, and I went on a hot air balloon ride in the beginning of September 2017. We were celebrating my father in law's 70th birthday!! There were 6 of us total and Captain Craig was our hot air balloon pilot. We did the sunrise balloon ride and it was breathtaking. It was such a smooth balloon ride and Captain Craig was so knowledgeable about the surroundings so it was nice to hear about all the mountains and landmarks in the area. He was so friendly and entertaining!! YAY CAPTAIN CRAIG! I felt 100% comfortable in the basket too. After we made a safe and smooth landing, the crew set up a nice plated breakfast and it was really good! We had 2 bottles of champagne and they even provided a yummy cake for my father in laws birthday! This was an amazing experience and I would recommend anyone to use this company! read more

Our group had an awesome experience. They took great care of us from the van ride to the entire balloon experience, ending with the great on site champagne breakfast. The crew was so comical. Our balloon fit 20 and was so smooth. It was an absolute highlight of our company's retreat to Phoenix. I highly recommend read more

We decided to take our parents on little adventure ride with hot air ballooning. This was first time for parents and second for us (done before in Albuquerque) ..we had more fun this time. We met at deer valley airport. Crew incharge of our group was very professional and caring. Our captain was Patrick. He gave us information about the nature and surroundings as we rode over the beautiful desert and landed as the sun set. We topped altitude of over 5000ft and were awarded with great views of valley. Sunset Hors d'oeuvres was good and we were pleastantly surprised when they served it on a linen long table with chinaware. Thanks you guys for making it memorable for us... I would highly recommend this company for your next balloon ride in Phoenix. read more

While in Phoenix for spring break, we experienced our first hot air balloon ride. It was amazing! Everything was very well-organized - from the meeting place to drop-off. The van driver was very nice and accommodating- especially, since my little girl was ill while riding in the bumpy back of the van. The take-off was very cool- all of a sudden we were just floating up. We got up to 5200 feet in the air and had terrific views. (One reviewer mentioned that Sedona has better views- I have nothing to compare it to and enjoyed our experience) Our pilot, John, was great and knowledgeable and we felt safe and content. To wrap it all up, we had a lovely little champagne breakfast and a story about the history of the hot air balloon. It was a lovely experience that I will always remember. A must do, at least once in your life.... read more

Great bunch. VERY safety conscious and customer oriented. Well worth the early wake up and the price. I will do it again, only with Capt.Bill B read more

An unforgettable experience, the captain and the flight crew was amazing... I loved it ... I totally would come back..

This was the best experience ever! Definitely a bucket list item, as it's such a unique experience. Our pilot was great! He did everything possible to make us feel safe and also informed us greatly about the surrounding landscapes. The highlight would have to be the brunch served personally personally by our pilot at the landing site, which included a champagne toast! Hot Air Expeditions knows how to do it - I would recommend! read more

What a great experience! We flew with Captain Craig and his crew. Such a smooth flight, and landing. We had a fabulous time. Champagne and breakfast waiting for us after the flight. I would recommend this morning outing to anyone. read more

Fantastic experience! Our pilot Bill was wonderful! Entertaining, informative and hilarious! We had a great group of riders that made the adventure fun. Awesome sunset in the middle of the desert landing and the champagne and treats were a great suprise! read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our hot air balloon ride with this company. Very professional, very safe but friendly and informative staff.

My husband and his buddy took this adventure while we were in Peoria staying for a week. He honestly did not have anything but positive to say about this company. His crew was comprised of Al and Anthony - both of which displayed professionalism and a commitment to ensure that everyone had an enjoyable visit. Honestly, my husband did not have anything but positive comments to stay about this adventure! Would definitely recommend. Now, I wish I went w/ him! read more

We were disappointed. We went up max of 1000 feet (as confirmed by guide) for 30mins. Never left more than half mile of launch site and landed in same area we launched. They said all of this was wind related, but other [seemingly large] companies and balloons were up high and ballooning over the mountains. This is want we expected and hoped for. Unfortunately, this was not the bucket list trip we'd hoped for. Breakfast and staff were nice. I'm assuming the very limited nature of our experience was driven by the company, not these individuals. read more

Surprised my boyfriend with a hot air balloon ride on a Saturday morning. I did a lot of research and read lots of reviews. Hot Air Expeditions had the best reviews. It was all that I expected it to be. Tom was our driver and he had a great personality. I have lived here since I was 3 and my boyfriend and I learned a lot about the valley during our ride with Tom. We had our first stop to see if the winds were good. Then we watched as lots of balloonists departed (like being a storm chaser....very cool) to go to Thunder Alley. They were all on the hunt for the right spot. Patrick was our Pilot. He had over 20 years experience and hundreds (if not more) flight hours. He also had a great personality, was funny and enjoyed his job. He explained a lot to us and also gave us an education on the Valley and what we were seeing and how ballooning worked. It was a very peaceful and calm experience. My boyfriend really enjoyed himself. Our landing was top notch. Then we had a wonderful champagne breakfast in the desert. Vincents on Camelback is the restaurant this amazing food comes from. No other company in the valley offers this amazing breakfast. I'm a foodie...trust me on this. In addition, our entire group sang Happy Birthday to my boyfriend. It was a one of a kind experience for him. As a hint, check in on Yelp before your flight and get a free champagne glass at the end. If you want to take a balloon ride in the valley this is the company you want to use. Ask for Tom and Patrick and you won't be disappointed. read more

First off, I'm very scared of heights! I can do a Ferris wheel IF I have someone to cling to and stare at the floor of the cab. I was not sure about a hot air ride but just didn't think about it too much. I was counting on my 16yo daughter to be there with me to help me but she wasn't able to make it-Her Loss! It was amazing! Breath taking! If I didn't look down I was ok. I just looked out. Our pilot was Tyler or Taylor, 25 yo and has been doing this since he was 15 was great. I always felt safe and comfortable that he knew what he was doing. He took us up one mile! Higher than any other balloon that trip and we traveled over 6 miles. He prepared us for the landing and we bumped a couple of times but that's part of the ride. We went over a small neighborhood and could hear the dogs barking and the kids hollering up at us. The dinner/snack was very tasty. Eating in the desert with the sunset was just fantastic! Defiantly will do again! read more

Had a great time with Walter and Al! Will definitely be back. First class service beginning to end.

We loved our first ever balloon experience! Our captain, Patrick, gave us a wonderful flight, Mother Nature had a hand in it too, and we got to have the maiden voyage in a brand new balloon. It was so peaceful and our champagne celebration in the night time desert was great. Thanks so much to Patrick, Al and the whole crew. We will definitely do this again! read more

Excellent experience, worth the price and early morning. It was beautiful watching the sunrise as we floated into the sky. Captain Al was wonderful, and his Crew Chief Scott & crew were fantastic. The champagne toast and balloonist ceremony after the flight were a nice touch along with breakfast. read more

Never use this company again for any balloon rides. I booked a sunrise ride for our anniversary this Sunday and it was the worst mistake going through these people. They asked us to be there at the facility at 6am, but we did not leave to get to the launch area until 6:40 just because our shuttle driver Melissa and the other shuttle driver had some mix up with the head count. Then when we got to the balloon launch area, out group's pilot didn't even have his balloon ready. All the other balloons were getting ready to launch except ours were still laying flat on the ground. I told the pilot that we paid for the sunrise ride and we are totally missing the experience of the beautiful sunrise standing their staring at it from the ground instead of in the balloon up in the sky. His name was captain John with this hippie pony tail said "We can't launch until after the sunrise, it's just called a sunrise ride but you don't really be up in the air until after by law" Why the hell would I pay for something that's just called that if I don't get to experience it!! He was the only balloon on the ground, he had a late start then gave us this lame excuse about why his balloon was the last to launch! Super disappointed in this experience, never again with this company and especially this quack captain! read more

Didn't know what to expect... Went at the end of April with some friends. Our Captain, Patrick was the lead captain of the company. I must say, he was very witty and easy going as well as knowledgeable. I was a little leery about going up so high but the whole process was so gradual (going up) that it was not as bad as I thought. The gondola is quite large as well as high (another story if you're 6'6"). We woke up at crack of dawn and made it to the shuttle. Surprisingly, there were several shuttles and they were all full. As we got near the site, the driver pulled over and communicated with the company and decided to head to another launch site. They said that the original site was too windy. At the launch site, it is amazing to see how efficient the crews are. They have fun but work hard. They don't waste time, which in our case was nice. We were able to make it up as the sun came up. Beautiful and breathtaking. We made it to about 6500 feet. (FYI: Captain Patrick holds the record for the highest flight). Landing was a little different than I thought. Patrick walked us through it about how bumpy it was going to get and that we might end up with a tilted gondola. They had crews waiting on the ground and as soon as we landed, they were right on top of the gondola to keep it upright. (kinda like going on a roller coaster ride :) After we got off, the crew set off to set up for our champagne brunch. The food was DELICIOUS! The pastry and the quiche along with the apples and the OJ (didn't have the champagne but others said it was really good). Top notch service and experience. You won't regret it- even if you're afraid of heights. :) read more

I heard so much about the hot air balloon experience from other Bluegreen Owners who stayed at Cibola Vista Resort & Spa in Peoria, AZ, so I knew I wanted to do it My husband was apprehensive, but decided to also go in case something happened to me, he didn't want to be alone (hopeless romantic after 37 years). everything was great. We arrived at the regional airport at the requested time of 5:15 am. After a quick signing of the release form, we got in the transport van with Jim, our driver and a member of the crew, who drove us to the launch site about 15 minutes away. He explained a little about the process and pointed out interesting things along the way. When we arrived, Cap'n Mikey "D" spoke with us about each part of the process, from laying the basket we would ride in on its side and spreading out the deflated balloon on the desert floor to how and when we would need to climb in and go up, up and awayHe pointed out each step of inflating the balloon as it occurred and Jim was taking pics to post on their website for us to view and download, if desired. Once in the balloon, the experience was thrilling & exhilarating. cap'n Mikey's is an experienced, cheerful, safety conscious and entertaining pilot. We went up more than s Mike and we're in the balloon more than an hour. He was in touch with his crew as they needed to follow the balloon like storm chasers When an optimum landing spot was chosen, Cap'n maneuvered the balloon and we didn't need to brace for a hard landing. His crew artfully brought the balloon to a stop and the deflating process began. We disboarded and were treated to s champagne toast after Cap'n explained the history of ballooning and the reason for the champagne toast. We then enjoyed a breakfast of on ( or mimosas), quiche,croissant, apple and cheese, then received certificates and were transported back to our cars. Truly outstanding and a check off the bucket list read more

We had a fantastic time! Top notch staff (Manson and Walter) made it a comfortable and fun experience. I would recommend them to everyone and anyone looking to ride in a hot air balloon. Desert brunch was a nice touch. Only thing negative I have to say is that while I was assured my fear of heights wouldn't be an issue, it was. I was still scared throughout the ride but dealt w it by not looking around as much as I would've liked. But that's on me and not the company! Just wanted to let others who may have a fear of heights that this is still uncomfortable read more

Great experience! From the arrival to the drive back to my car, all lots of fun, knowledgeable staff made trip worth very minute. The team of Captain Mike E. and Crew Chief Jim were great!! Will definitely go again next year when back in Phoenix. read more

I have done 2 hot air balloon rides, one today and one about five years ago. Today we left out of Deer Valley airport, launched from Cave Creek and Pinnacle Peak. The flight was awesome, saw the beautiful Arizona desert at sunrise and my wife and I had a great time. The staff is lively and fun. If you want to be pampered, then this may not be for you, but the captain and other staff are very knowledgeable about the area and ballooning. We capped off the flight with mimosas and breakfast. I didn't expect the breakfast, a very nice surprise. If you are adventurous, check this out and I guarantee a great time! read more

Fantastic staff from reservation, ride to balloon , pilot Al( ask for Al to be your pilot), and entire staff. Great experience and pure fun. Picturesque views that are not to be missed. read more

Loved it! The staff was extremely fun and enthusiastic! There was a nice surprise we were not expecting after the balloon ride as well! Highly recommend to others! You won't regret!! read more

amazing.....will do it again....craig is the best...along with clover - gary and derek...fabulous crew

I went for my first hot air balloon ride today and had a fantastic time. Captain Mike and his crew were fantastic, looked like they enjoyed what they did and made the group feel very comfortable with the whole experience. The breakfast they served in the middle of the desert was great. I will certainly recommend that my friends and family go for a ride with these guys. read more

On 6/24/2015 my 8 yr old grand daughter and left the house at 04:00 for a 5:15 flight on a hot air balloon. This was our first time. We arrived at the parking lot at 04:55. At 5:15 we expected to be taken to our lift of point but nothing happened. It appears the driver of the other Van had made a "wrong" turn and showed up at 5:40. Ten of us piled into the van to make a pre-flight pit stop at a circle K. There was one unisex bathroom. We were at circle K about 15 minutes give five or more minutes. Because we were running late the access point to the balloon was on a dirt road that was VERY bumpy, especially in the back seat of a 14 passenger van. To make up for time the van driver took this road about twice the normal speed. The pilot of the balloon already had the balloon inflated (about 70%) and was annoyed at the inability of the driver to communicate via radio with him. So, we were about an hour late lifting off. So, more hot sun for the flight along with more furnace blast from the balloon burners. Now, there were only ten people on this flight but the balloon basket is rated for 14. It was pretty cramped with 10. Anyway, the flight was fantastic with a kind of rough landing because of the wind. On the drive back the van shook like crazy (wheel balance off) and the air conditioning in the back was non existent. When the flight was over we were given a croissant, cheese, apple, quiche, orange juice, cider, or champagne. Because we were running late, the "waiter" (used VERY tongue in cheek) took our plates away before we were done eating. Anyway, the balloon ride was exceptional. All the rest of the events were non excuse-able by Hot Air Expeditions. For that reason, I would NOT recommend Hot Air Expeditions unless they fix their infrastructure and make it a pleasant experience for the customer. read more

Had a lovely flight this morning with CAPTAIN Al and Crew Chief Seth. (We were the quiet ones.). It was beautiful and relaxing; the staff was entertaining and skilled. Highly recommended. read more

We were disappointed in the hot air balloon ride last week, especially for the cost. The staff was friendly. The take off & landing were smooth and breakfast was nice . But basically we just hovered over the prison and desert below. The brochure states "marvelous overview of the valley. Local landmarks and points of interest you can see will be pointed out, as well as history of the Valley of the Suns will be given". Did not experience this. We did rise to 6600 ft and were told we traveled 3-4 miles, but I feel it was in a circle. Other balloons traveled further distances to Lake Pleasant an toward town of Anthem, but we didn't. Being in the balloon for the first time was exciting, but the ride was disappointing and became boring. read more

My husband and I went up with Hot Air Expeditions on Monday, May 30th. Jeremy met us at Deer Valley Airport at 5 am and drove us to our launch site where we met our Pilot Al who was in the process of inflating the balloon and getting it ready. We were up in the air for a little over an hour during which time Al was pointing out different landmarks to us. The landing was much smoother than I thought it would be. Upon returning to land we had a mimosa toast and then a little breakfast consisting of more mimosas, a southwest quiche, croissant, apple slices and cheese. If we were to go again we would go in the winter when you have a 7 am meet up time instead of 5 am or a late afternoon trip which is also only available in the winter months. My only complaint is that the balloon was a little cramped and you were very limited in how much, if at all, you could move around. There were a total of 11 of us (including the pilot). The basket was sectioned into 5 sections with the pilot in the middle with the propane tanks and 2 sections on each side of him. My section had 3 people (all adults) - 2 people per section would have been much more comfortable. Oh and wear a hat - you could definitely feel the flame whenever the pilot turned the propane on. All in all a fantastic time! read more

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Going on a hot air balloon ride was on my bucket list for a while. It happened to work out that my 85 year old Mother was out visiting my sister in Phoenix and she was game. Upon meeting at the Deer Valley airport they immediately assign you to a van and driver. Once they decide on the site and you arrive you can even help get the balloon blown up and ready. It goes very fast and all of the balloon companies pretty much set up in the same place so it can be very exciting. We didn't have much wind so didn't go far but it was amazing. Our pilot Mike was great. After landing we had a great brunch with memosas. It was a great experience and one I would do again with this company. read more